Background on the Extortion Law and Key Figures
The Mexican Senate is considering amendments to the Ley General para Prevenir, Investigar y Sancionar los Delitos en Materia de Extorsión (General Law to Prevent, Investigate, and Punish Crimes Related to Extortion). This legislative effort comes after criticism from the PAN (National Action Party) and PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party) regarding potential mass releases of individuals previously convicted for extortion in states like Baja California, Chihuahua, Guerrero, Morelos, Nayarit, and Quintana Roo. These states have stricter penalties for extortion.
Adán Augusto López Hernández, president of the Junta de Coordinación Política (JCP) in the Chamber of Deputies, acknowledged that changes are necessary. He outlined three significant amendments to be made before the bill is sent back for final approval.
Proposed Amendments
- Increased Penalties for Extortionists: The current proposed penalties range from 5 to 10 or 15 years. Amendments will likely raise the average penalty, possibly to 10 or 15 years.
- Case-by-case Review of Existing Sentences: Concerns have been raised that lowering the average penalty might lead to the release of hundreds of previously sentenced extortionists. López Hernández clarified that any review would be case-by-case to ensure accuracy.
- Equating Punishments for Public Officials Involved in Extortion: There is a proposal to adjust the reduced penalties for public officials found indirectly involved in extortion cases, aligning them with direct extortionists’ penalties.
- Creation of Specialized Anti-Extortion Fiscalías: The establishment of specialized fiscalías dedicated to combating extortion is being considered, potentially replacing or supplementing existing antisecuestro (kidnapping) fiscalías.
Key Questions and Answers
- What are the main criticisms against the current law? The PAN and PRI argue that the proposed changes in the extortion law could result in the release of hundreds of previously sentenced individuals in states with stricter extortion penalties.
- What amendments are being considered by the Senate? The Senate plans to increase the average penalty for extortion, review existing sentences case-by-case, equate penalties for public officials involved in extortion, and establish specialized fiscalías dedicated to combating extortion.
- When will the amended bill be voted on? The amended bill is expected to be voted on in committees the following Tuesday and by the full chamber the next day.
Context and Impact
The proposed amendments to Mexico’s extortion law come at a critical time, as concerns about corruption and criminal activities continue to plague the nation. Extortion is a significant issue, affecting businesses and individuals across various sectors. The current law aims to address this problem comprehensively, but critics argue that the suggested changes might undermine previous efforts to deter extortion.
Adán Augusto López Hernández’s acknowledgment of the need for amendments and his detailed explanation of the proposed changes demonstrate the Senate’s commitment to refining the law. By increasing penalties, ensuring case-by-case reviews, and establishing specialized fiscalías, the Senate seeks to create a more effective deterrent against extortion in Mexico.
